Democratic Town Committee Backs French For House Seat

The East Hampton Democratic Town Committee has unanimously endorsed town Councilwoman Jane French to run for the 34th state House District seat being vacated by Terry Concannon.

But two fellow party members are considering spicing things up by entering the race. Gail Hamm, East Hampton board of education chairwoman, said she is in the race, and William F. Farrell, East Hampton town councilman, said he will decide by the end of the week whether to enter the race.

Concannon, 57, a three-term legislator, announced last week that she will not seek re-election in the fall. Concannon plans to marry Marlborough First Selectman Howard Dean and move to Marlborough.

The resulting race is beginning to bring back memories of 1994, when the town's Democratic Party broke into factions after a March caucus. During the caucus vote, the town's conservative Democratic base proposed an alternate slate. That slate went on to defeat the one proposed by the town committee, leading to months of infighting.

French hopes the party can be united and she can follow in the footsteps of fellow 34th District representatives, including former Gov. William O'Neill and Dean Markham, both East Hampton residents.

``It's been on that dream level for a long time,'' French said. ``You don't know when things will open up again and now is the time. My son's all grown up and I feel like the time is right. It's my turn.''

French, who was unanimously chosen at the town committee meeting last week, has served on the board of finance and is serving her second term on the town council. She has lived in town for 30 years.

``We've had some great state representatives,'' town Chairman Michael Dugan said Monday. ``East Hampton is fortunate to have an outstanding candidate like Jane French. Jane will certainly carry on the tradition of distinguished state representatives. It's my hope that Democrats would unite behind Jane French.''

No other candidates have emerged from other communities in the district. The district encompasses East Hampton, Haddam and the southeastern part of Middletown.

Hamm, who has been on the board of education for seven years, lost in a 1992 primary to Concannon by 25 votes. She is an attorney at Friel and Hamm in Glastonbury.

``We ran a very good campaign back then and I think we can do it again,'' she said Monday. ``This is a natural extension of my advocacy for children and families. I look forward to giving strong constituency service, which is important.''

Farrell, 46, is currently serving his second term on the town council.

``I'm seriously thinking about it,'' Farrell said. ``I'm interested, no doubt about it. But I have to still flesh things out.''

Farrell said the entrance of Hamm into the race will make the decision more difficult.

``A two-person race is divisive enough, but three? I really have to consider whether or not to enter now, especially after the way things got a few years ago,'' he said.